Chief Medical Officer at Acie, Portugal
David José Roxo Botequim is an accomplished scientist and entrepreneur with a strong foundation in biotechnology, biosciences, and biomedical engineering. He has expertise in developing innovative solutions in medical diagnostics, biosensors, and clinical trials. Currently serving as Co-founder and Chief Medical Officer at Acie, he leads clinical trials and biosensor development. His research contributions span dermatological diseases, nanotechnology, and advanced biomaterials. David’s career reflects a balance between academia and industry, marked by innovative research, patents, and leadership roles. His interdisciplinary expertise positions him as a leader in advancing healthcare technologies and translational research.
Professional Profile
Education
David holds a Ph.D. in Biotechnology and Biosciences from Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), Universidade de Lisboa, where his thesis focused on fluorescently-labeled DNA probes for enhanced nucleic acid detection. He earned an Advanced Studies Diploma in Bioengineering from the MIT Portugal Program and an Integrated Master’s in Biomedical Engineering from NOVA School of Science and Technology. His educational journey also includes international exposure as a visiting Ph.D. student at Eindhoven University of Technology and specialized training in clinical trials and nanobiotechnology, underscoring his commitment to innovation and applied research.
Professional Experience
David’s career includes roles as a Co-founder and Chief Medical Officer at Acie, where he focuses on biosensor development and clinical trials. As a Post-Doctoral Researcher at Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, he investigated neutrophils in psoriasis, managing laboratory operations and mentoring students. His prior roles include Assistant Researcher at Matera, where he developed antimicrobial nanomaterials, and Research Fellow at CQE, contributing to disease diagnostics through nanotechnology. David has excelled in both academic and corporate environments, showcasing his ability to lead multidisciplinary projects, secure funding, and translate research into practical applications.
Research Interests
David’s research interests lie at the intersection of biotechnology, nanotechnology, and biomedical engineering. He focuses on developing advanced biosensors, fluorescent nanomaterials, and diagnostic tools for applications in dermatological diseases, infectious diseases, and cancer. His work also explores antimicrobial coatings, clinical trials, and the functional characterization of immune cells. David’s interdisciplinary approach integrates molecular biology, surface engineering, and fluorescence technologies to address critical challenges in medical diagnostics and healthcare innovation.
Research Skills
David is proficient in molecular biosensing, fluorescence microscopy, and advanced nanomaterial functionalization. He has expertise in techniques such as flow cytometry, spectrophotometry, and atomic force microscopy. David has extensive experience in designing and conducting clinical trials, managing laboratory operations, and mentoring students. His skills also include grant writing, project management, and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, enabling him to drive innovation in both academic and industrial settings.
Awards and Honors
David’s achievements include being an inventor of a patented antimicrobial complex and securing grants from organizations like Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT). He has delivered presentations at national and international conferences, earning recognition for his contributions to biosensor development and dermatological research. His distinction as a Ph.D. graduate with honors highlights his academic excellence and commitment to advancing scientific knowledge.
Conclusion
David Botequim’s blend of academic excellence, entrepreneurial leadership, and interdisciplinary research makes him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His contributions to biosensor technology, clinical trials, and nanotechnology demonstrate significant innovation and impact. While his strengths are evident in translational research and collaboration, he could further expand his international outreach and secure additional large-scale research funding. Overall, David’s work embodies the spirit of scientific innovation and societal advancement, making him a deserving candidate for this recognition.
Publication Top Notes
- Photosensitization of human skin fibroblasts by vemurafenib promotes pleiotropic effects on membrane-enclosed organelles and apoptosis
Authors: Alpalhão, M., Botequim, D., Ferreira, J., Santus, R., Filipe, P.
Year: 2023
Citations: 1
- Merging Porphyrins with Gold Nanorods: Self Assembly Construct to High Fluorescent Polyelectrolyte Microcapsules
Authors: Serra, V.V., Serra, S.G., Vallejo, M.C.S., Neves, M.G.P.M.S., Costa, S.M.B.
Year: 2022
Citations: 4
- Fluorescence spectroscopy of porphyrins and phthalocyanines: Some insights into supramolecular self-assembly, microencapsulation, and imaging microscopy
Authors: Teixeira, R., Serra, V.V., Botequim, D., Andrade, S.M., Costa, S.M.B.
Year: 2021
Citations: 18
- Monitoring Proteolytic Activity in Real Time: A New World of Opportunities for Biosensors
Authors: Oliveira-Silva, R., Sousa-Jerónimo, M., Botequim, D., Paulo, P.M.R., Prazeres, D.M.F.
Year: 2020
Citations: 15
- Fluorescent dye nano-assemblies by thiol attachment directed to the tips of gold nanorods for effective emission enhancement
Authors: Botequim, D., Silva, I.I.R., Serra, S.G., Costa, S.M.B., Paulo, P.M.R.
Year: 2020
Citations: 17
- Density gradient selection of colloidal silver nanotriangles for assembling dye-particle plasmophores
Authors: Oliveira-Silva, R., Sousa-Jerónimo, M., Botequim, D., Prazeres, D.M.F., Paulo, P.M.R.
Year: 2019
Citations: 5
- Extreme Enhancement of Single-Molecule Fluorescence from Porphyrins Induced by Gold Nanodimer Antennas
Authors: Francisco, A.P., Botequim, D., Prazeres, D.M.F., Laia, C.A.T., Paulo, P.M.R.
Year: 2019
Citations: 23
- Enhanced Fluorescence of a Dye on DNA-Assembled Gold Nanodimers Discriminated by Lifetime Correlation Spectroscopy
Authors: Paulo, P.M.R., Botequim, D., Jóskowiak, A., Zijlstra, P., Costa, S.M.B.
Year: 2018
Citations: 16
- A systematic study of solution and processing parameters on nanofiber morphology using a new electrospinning apparatus
Authors: Henriques, C., Vidinha, R., Botequim, D., Borges, J.P., Silva, J.A.M.C.
Year: 2009
Citations: 61
- Production and characterization of chitosan based nanofibers
Authors: Borges, J.P., Botequim, D., Vidinha, R., Henriques, C., Silva, J.C.
Year: 2008